DE3531459C2 - - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method to determine the setting parameters of wheels one Four-wheel vehicle and in particular a device and a method for obtaining such parameters by means of intelligent measuring heads and system modules.  

From DE-OS 27 27 420 is an arrangement for measuring camber and toe of a motor vehicle known. With this arrangement there is a mirror on each wheel attached to which a light beam is directed. To improve the measuring accuracy the light beam is tightly focused, d. that is, the light transmitter is a laser. The reflected laser beam falls on a light receiver for evaluation. The The light receiver is designed as a focusing screen with a scale-like marking. Around To evaluate the position of the light spot, the focusing screen can be a video camera can be assigned with modified control electronics.

US 41 26 943 is concerned with a method and a device for aligning motor vehicle wheels, where - instead of the geometric Center axis of the vehicle frame - the actual direction of the vehicle at Straight ahead is taken as a reference line. The non-controllable, rear As a rule, wheels cannot be readjusted. That is why this State of the art determines the actual direction of travel of the rear wheels and saved. This specified direction is then used for track alignment of the controllable front wheels. The track measuring devices are first on the non-controllable wheels and then on the controllable wheels assembled. The measured values are fed to a computer which uses the algebraic Equations for the angle solves and the correction values for the track on one Outputs screen.

A similar alignment device is known from US 42 65 537. To the Controllable wheels have active alignment sensors, which are the rotating plane follow these wheels. These active alignment sensors work on the way Line of sight together with passive reflectors connected to the non-controllable ones Wheels or attached to these adjacent vehicle parts. The signals which are generated by the active sensors are used as evaluation electronics fed, which is housed in a console. Be at the console Alignment variables are displayed that not only the wheel positions with each other, but also the alignment of the wheels with respect to the actual center line of the Vehicle body and with respect to the geometric center line of the axes and with respect to the thrust line due to the toe angles of the non-steerable wheels consider.  

US 42 76 738 describes a method with which the errors of wheel track measurements can be compensated. Be on predetermined wheels Mirrors attached, in which the manual compensation of the camber is not necessary. The selected wheels with the mirrors are rotated into certain positions. The Mirrors work with projectors and sensors on other wheels. The Lane correction of the wheels equipped with the mirrors can be determined including the compensation for the lateral blow. With the carrier for the Mirror can also be connected to a camber measuring device.

US 43 11 386 discloses a method for checking the alignment of front and rear wheels. Each front wheel carries a horizontal arm, on which is a laser source with a beam splitter. The first laser beam is emitted horizontally across the front of the vehicle. The second laser beam hits on a mirror on the associated rear wheel. The first laser beam hits you Receiver attached to the opposite arm of the other front wheel is appropriate. The second laser beam hits one after reflection Receiver on the original arm. The measured values of the receivers are sent to you electronic calculator to determine the alignment angle of the front and rear wheels fed.

In the prior art. the US 43 36 658 sources of error are dealt with, which result from the emigration of the wheel plane from the rotary plane (impact). In addition, errors are detected and compensated for when fastening of the angle measuring instrument on the wheel. There are two angle measuring instruments for this attached to two wheels. The angle measuring instruments work as a pair together. First, angle measurement signals are generated at two wheel positions are separated by 180 °. Every electrical converter generates such signals in everyone the wheel positions. With the help of all signals, the assembly errors of all Transducer instruments are compensated for when the wheels are turned.

The invention differs from each of these known solutions in that How the signals between the measuring heads on the wheels and the Main processing unit can be transferred in the console. The invention has set themselves the task of automating the setting of wheels on vehicles. This task is carried out in a setting system according to the generic terms of Claims 1, 25, 38 and 50 by the characterizing features of these Claims resolved. In the claims 28 and 54 corresponding adjustment and alignment procedures as process solutions.  

The invention sees a dynamically configurable Adjustment system for vehicle wheels in front, with a variety of wheel alignment heads attached to the vehicle wheels be mounted in a predetermined assignment to them can. A system bus is provided and a transmission device between the multitude of alignment or Measuring heads and the system bus. The system points at least one system function facility and for each Function device on a control module that between each of the functional devices and the system bus switched is. In each of the control modules for the functional devices and in the transmission device a control circuit is arranged. A main processing facility is connected to the system bus and performs system calculations and sequence control and takes over decision and transfer routines the control modules from the functional devices.  

In this way the system will correspond to that in the system existing control modules for the functional devices configured.

The alignment and adjustment system for vehicle wheels has alignment or measuring heads for mounting on two or more wheels of the vehicle. The System includes a variety of function control modules. The function control modules and the measuring heads each contain a control circuit. A main processing unit it is planned to carry out system calculations, controls the functional sequence and with the control circuits the control modules is connected to decision and transfer routines from the function control modules to the central processing unit so that the System according to the function control modules present in it is configured.

The adjustment system for vehicle wheels shows to determine the setting data. The alignment or measuring heads are for attachment separate vehicle wheels. A variety of Function control modules are included in the system, whereby each of the function control modules and each of the measuring heads has a control circuit. The control circuits operationally control the implementation of each control module assigned function in each measuring head. Furthermore are means are provided in each of the measuring heads to collect data send and receive. A main processing facility is with the control circuits of the measuring heads and Control modules connected to serial data transmission from the measuring heads during separate time intervals to control.

The associated procedure concerns wheel adjustment on a vehicle using intelligent adjustment  and measuring devices with a variety of on the wheels mounted measuring heads and a remote console with a main processing unit and a plurality of Function modules, including a transmission module. After this procedure, the system is initialized by digitized decision and transfer instructions from the various function modules to the Main processor to be transferred. That way the system automatically according to those present in the system Function modules configured. According to the proposed The wheel adjustment parameters continue to be used and head status signals for the respective vehicle wheels measured and the parameters and status measurements to digital Digitized setting values. The digitized data are stored separately on the vehicle wheels and the instructions and digitized data serially between the transmission module and the respective measuring heads transfer.

According to the method of the invention, each Function module and each measuring head for executing a certain function individually controlled. The wheel setting and the probe status are on each of the vehicle wheels measured. The parameter and status measurements are digitized to digital setting data. The digitized Data is stored on separate vehicle wheels; thereafter, the takes place during separate time intervals serial transmission of instructions and digitized Data between the transmission module and certain measuring heads.

The device according to the invention also relates to an adjustment system for vehicle wheels with at least two Alignment or measuring heads on the vehicle wheels to be adjusted can be mounted, at least one the measuring heads contains setting measuring instruments. These measuring instruments  deliver wheel setting data. Cordless working Wireless transmission facilities Setting data are connected in at least one measuring head arranged with the setting measuring instruments. It is a sighting device together with a device intended for wireless reception of the setting data, which is connected to the vision device and in wireless connection with the transmitter stands. The ones supplied by the adjustment gauges Setting data can therefore be viewed on the viewing device represent.

Furthermore, according to a further aspect of the invention created a wheel alignment system that a variety of Has measuring heads, each on one of the vehicle wheels mounted in a predetermined orientation to this can be used to get data about the wheel setting condition to deliver. They are means of digitizing the Data as well as a function control module are provided, which are sold is arranged by the measuring heads. Cordless working Transmitting and receiving devices transmit the in this setting system and in the associated method digitized data between the measuring heads and the Function control module.

The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments explained in more detail with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a specific configuration of an adjusting system;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of the adjustment system;

Fig. 3 is another perspective view of the adjustment system,

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the console in the adjustment system;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the keyboard in the console of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the components of the wheel-mounted measuring head in the system;

Fig. 7 is a top view of a keyboard on the measuring head of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a side view of a front wheel mounting probe with the cover removed;

Figure 9 is a section on the line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Fig. 10 is a side view of an alignment or measuring head for the rear wheel assembly with the cover removed;

Fig. 11 is a perspective representation of the central device on a mounting Radklemmadapter;

FIG. 12A, 12B together represent an electrical schematic diagram of the track circuit board in the measuring heads;

Figure 13 is a combined block and electrical circuit diagram of an infrared transceiver;

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a console attachment;

Figure 15A is a flow diagram of the probe routines that manage the head control circuits of the present invention;

Fig. 15B is a flowchart of an interrupt routine that occurs during the program portion described in the flowchart of Fig. 15S;

FIG. 16A-16D together represent a flowchart of the operating routines and program sequences;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a reflector assembly according to the invention used for the mounting of wheels.

The block diagram according to FIG. 1 shows a system console 11 , which has cords 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and 12 d with separate measuring heads 13 (left front), 14 (left rear), 16 (rear right) attached to the edges. and 17 (right front) is connected. The two front measuring heads 13, 17 have projecting arms 18 which are missing in the rear measuring heads. Cross track projectors 19 (left front measuring head) and 21 (right front measuring head) are attached to the outer ends of the brackets. All four heads and the cross-track projectors have infrared transmitters and receivers. These transmitters and receivers are described in US Pat. No. 4,180,326 and are explained in detail below. The infrared transmission paths are shown in FIG. 1 with dashed lines, the arrows of which show the direction of transmission.

Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment in which the above-mentioned cords 12 a to 12 d are missing. Such an embodiment can be called "cordless" or "wireless". Transmission and reception between the measuring heads 13, 14, 16, 17 take place with infrared light along the line of sight between each of the heads and the console 11 , as shown with the dashed double arrows 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d. This mode of transmission can also use other parts, for example of the electromagnetic spectrum, or also pressure waves in the sound range. Infrared or radio frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum as well as ultrasonic energy are only examples of suitable forms of transmission.

As stated for Fig. 2, the infrared transmission and transmission is primarily along the line of sight, but also via reflection to the receiver. In most cases, however, a predictable reflection of the infrared transmissions cannot be achieved. For example, Fig. 2 shows the measuring heads arranged according to the wheel positions. In this case, the vehicle would be seen even interfere with the transmission lines 22 a to d 22nd The embodiment according to FIG. 3 is therefore desired for practical reasons. On the console 11 , a bracket attachment 23 is attached at one end, which carries the infrared transceivers 24 a, 24 b at the other ends. Of these remote transceivers, only two are shown here for explanation, which are arranged so that a transmission from or to the measuring heads 13, 14, 16 or 17 can take place. The transmission of measurement or setting data and instructions can therefore take place between the console and various of the measuring heads. The infrared transceivers for data transmission, as shown in FIG. 3 with 24 a, 24 b and arranged in the individual wheel adjustment heads, as will be explained with reference to FIG. 2, will be described in detail below.

It should be pointed out that the transmission of setting data and / or instructions can also be carried out between the measuring heads themselves, as between the console and the measuring heads. This communication between the heads depends only on the suitable arrangement of the transceivers in the measuring heads, so that when using, for example, infrared light, the transmitted data can travel in ways similar to those used for the measuring energy beams shown in FIG .

FIG. 4 shows the bracket 11 in block form. A system bus 26 is supplied with a power supply 27 , which supplies the operating power for a number of function modules to be identified individually, as well as for a cord interface 28 and the aforementioned infrared transceivers 24 . A battery charger 29 is in the console; its purpose is explained below.

Among the function modules mentioned above is a transmission module 31 which lies between the system bus 26 and the line interface 28 or the infrared transceiver 24 . Operationally, the transmission module transmits data serially in both directions, ie to the system bus and to the adjustment heads, which are connected to the cord interface or coupled to the infrared transceiver. A screen control module 32 is connected to the system bus; it controls a screen display device 33 with a cathode ray tube. In this way, data standing on the system bus can be visually displayed on the screen under control by the control module 32 . Correspondingly, a voice control module 34 is arranged between the system bus and one or more loudspeakers 36 in order to be able to emit speech sound synthesized in response to data transmitted via the system bus.

A print control module 37 between the system bus and a printer 38 provides the printing of data on the system bus. A bar code reader 39 (in the form of a stylus in this embodiment) is connected to a bar code reading and decoding module 41 , so that data can be quickly taken from a bar-coded printout and transferred to the system bus.

The aforementioned transmission, video, voice, printer and bar code reading and decoding control modules all contain microprocessors for control. A suitable microprocessor for this is the MC 6802 from Motorola. A more powerful central processing unit (CPU) 42 is connected to the system bus 26 . The CPU model used satisfactorily in this embodiment is the type MC 6809 from Motorola, which is more powerful than the microprocessors contained in the function or control modules, since it offers a lack of computing possibilities for these. The CPU 42 is equipped with a keyboard 43 with which specifications, commands, etc. can be given to the CPU and, via it, to the system bus. The arrangement of the keyboard on the console for manual entry of data to the system is shown in FIG. 5.

While this special feature can be addressed below in the functional descriptions of the system parts, it should already be pointed out here that while the CPU controls the system, carries out calculations and administration tasks, etc., each of the aforementioned functional modules contains specific transmission and decision routines or algorithms, are transferred to the non-volatile memory associated with the CPU 42 during system initialization, so that the CPU has additional intelligence.

The CPU's ability to control the sequence of operations that the system undertakes (calculating sizes, etc.) is thus obtained in part from the function modules during initialization. The system therefore recognizes all the function modules in the system by initially taking over their identity and certain logic sequences - including special information such as tolerance limits for warning messages, etc. A functional module such as voice control 34 can be added to or removed from the system without changing the programming of CPU 42 . Nevertheless, each of these function modules maintains the function assigned to it, that is, the CRT controller controls the function of the screen display device when the CPU 42 requests a certain screen output, or the transmission module requests information from the adjustment heads attached to the wheels if the CPU 42 indicates to the transmission module that the time required for this has come. The transfer and decision routines can be transferred from the function modules to the CPU 42 in any order, so that the function modules can be removed or added, as it corresponds exclusively to the desired operating properties of the system as a whole. This ability of the system (ability to change according to the function modules present in the system) is referred to as "dynamic configurability".

The block diagram of FIG. 6 shows the components contained in the right and left front front wheel measuring heads 13, 17 . A track circuit 44 is provided centrally for the function of the measuring head and has a microprocessor which serves as a control for the head functions. This measuring head control is implemented with a single chip control module HD 6301Vi from Hitachl from Hitachi, which essentially corresponds to the microprocessors mentioned above, but is designed as a single circuit. A camber inclinometer 46 , a steering axis inclinometer 48 and a Hall effect switch 49 for detecting the wheel position are connected to the track control. Furthermore, a rear-facing light projector 51 and a rear-facing light detector 52 are connected to the track circuit, as are a transverse-facing light projector 53 and a transverse-looking light receiver 54 . The rear and cross-directional projectors are transmitters and receivers, as are essentially explained in US Pat. No. 4,180,326, but their structure will be explained again in the following in relation to the present invention.

A line interface 56 is inserted between the track circuit 44 and the console 11 , which largely corresponds to the line interface 28 of FIGS. 4 and 14 . This line interface raises the signal level from the measuring head from the logic level to the line level for transmission on line 12 (for example from 5 V to 12 V). A head power supply 57 is included in each measuring head and receives the drive power via the line 12 and the cord interface 56 . The power supply in turn feeds the cord interface and track circuit 44 .

The measuring and setting heads attached to the wheels, as shown in FIG. 6, are designed differently. In the embodiment just explained, the signal transmission from and to the head takes place via the line 12 . In the alternative embodiment, the line interface 56 and the line 12 are replaced by a battery pack 58 which feeds the power supply 57 , as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6. The power supply 57 not only feeds the track circuit 44 , but also an infrared transceiver 59 , which essentially corresponds to the remote transceivers 24 a, 24 b of FIG. 3. As previously explained, the infrared transceiver 59 must be located in a straight line of sight to the console 11 ; alternatively, a suitable infrared light deflection must be provided so that the infrared signals can successfully go back and forth between the measuring heads on the wheels and the console. It should be noted that, while FIG. 6 shows in particular the block diagram of the two front measuring heads 13 and 17 , it also applies to the rear wheel measuring heads 14 and 16 when the transverse light projector and the transversely looking receiver 53, 64 and the steering axis inclinometer 48 omits. It is further pointed out that for the battery operation of the measuring heads (cord interface 56 and line 12 are omitted, battery pack 58 is added and infrared transceiver 59 is energized), the battery packs 58 of all measuring heads should be connected to the battery charger 29 ( FIG. 4) if the system is not currently in operation.

The structural peculiarities of the right front alignment or measuring head 17 will now be explained with reference to FIG. 8. It should be noted that the left front measuring head 13 is mirror image of the measuring head 17 . A supporting housing 61 is shown. A cover matching the housing 61 is not shown, but, when fitted, completely encloses the housing contents, the carrier tube 18 (already mentioned) extending from the housing. The IR transceiver 59 is shown in the form of a circuit board mounted in the housing, as are the power supply 57 and the track circuit 44 . The carrier tube 18 and the track and steering axis inclinometers 46 and 48 are welded to an angle 62 in the housing. A rear-facing group of IR luminescent diodes (LEDs) 63 sends IR or light energy onto a cylindrical lens 64 . The group contains about 20 to 30 LEDs on a line that runs generally horizontally and into or out of the drawing plane of FIG. 8. The cylindrical lens 64 thus causes the LED light to scatter in a substantially vertical direction. The light from the cylindrical lens falls on a plano-convex lens 66 which focuses the vertically scattered light into light streaks within the range of the wheelbases of the vehicle for which the wheel alignment system is designed, and therefore focuses the stripes approximately at the distance at which one a measuring head receiver attached to a rear wheel. It is further pointed out that a pair of prisms is arranged on the plane side of the lens 66 in the manner shown in US Pat. No. 4,130,362 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 there). As indicated there, the prisms 67 produce a 10 degree deflection of the LED light strips. The prisms 67 thus bring about a deflection or refraction angle of 10 degrees and form vertical rays identical to those which pass through the center of the plano-convex lens 66 , but are deflected by 10 degrees with respect to the beam passing through the plano-convex lens alone. In this way, a vertical light stripe pattern can be created around a center line that runs essentially straight to the rear from the measuring head attached to the wheel, and two further patterns can be created that run around center lines that are essentially deflected by 10 degrees on either side of the middle group are. The two further, angularly deflected groups are used to determine the front wheel steering angle in the method to be explained below and are not generated in the measuring heads of the rear wheels. The arrangement of positions 63, 64, 67 and 66 (with the appropriate mounting and adjustment means) represents the rear-facing IR light transmitter 51. The housing 61 of the front wheel measuring head 17 also contains bearing devices for the rear-facing IR transmitter 52 , so that reflected light from the transmitter 51 or light transmitted from a rear wheel measuring head can be collected.

Fig. 8 shows the arrangement of the cord interface 56 , in which the circuit board 68 carries the above-mentioned circuit parts which convert the header data from the logic level to a line level and the data arriving on the line from the line level to the logic level. The cord interface circuit is contained in a removable module 69 which has a weight 71 (if necessary for head alignment) and a plug 72 which fits the plug-in part via which the line transmits the operating voltage of the power supply 57 and the data to the track circuit 44 . The cord 12 is shown leaving the cord interface module housing 69 .

The cross-track transceiver 21 is shown in section at the end of the carrier tube 18 in FIG. 8 and in FIG. 9. The structure of the IR transceiver in the cross-track transceiver essentially corresponds to the reverse transmitter 51 and the rear-facing receiver 52 according to FIG. 8. An LED group 73 comprising 20 to 30 IR luminescent diodes is arranged in a stationary manner near the rear wall of the cross-track transceiver and aligned substantially horizontally in and out of the plane of FIG. 9. The LEDs of the group are driven in a predetermined order, as explained in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 4,180,326; its light falls through the cylindrical lens 74 and a plano-convex lens 76 for the purpose explained above on the basis of the similar structure of the transmitter 51 . The LED group, the cylindrical lens and the plano-convex lenses are optically assigned to one another in such a way that essentially vertical stripes of light are focused at distances in the range of the wheelbases for which the system is designed. Leads run from the track circuit board through the support tube 18 to the LED group 73 , as shown at 75 , and carry the signals that sequentially excite the LEDs in the group to perform the angle measurement specified in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 4,180,326.

As also shown in FIG. 9, the cross-track receiver 21 has an IR receiver 54 which, as already mentioned, essentially corresponds to the receiver 52 of FIG. 8. A photocell 78 is located on a circuit board 79 at the focal distance from the light-collecting plano-convex lens 81 . A red filter 82 lies behind the plano-convex lens and supports the suppression of ambient light disturbances. The circuit board, the photocell, the filter and the plano-convex lens are arranged in a predetermined position in a photocell housing 83 from which the signal lines 84 emerge in a sealed manner. This protects the photocell from the environment. The cross-track projector or transceiver 19 on the left front measuring head 13 is a mirror image (not shown) to the cross-track projector 21 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the rear wheel measuring heads 14, 16 with the cover removed, as is explained in the description of the front heads in FIG. 8; the measuring head of FIG. 10 is mounted on the rear left wheel. A head housing or bearing structure 86 for the rear wheel head is shown which houses the IR transceiver 59 , which is shown here as a printed circuit board. According to the form of representation of FIG. 8 for describing a front wheel measuring head, the power supply 57 and the track circuit 44 are located on circuit boards which, as shown, are shown in the housing 86 . A forward emitting IR transmitter 87 is shown, which has an LED group 63 , the cylindrical lens 64 and the plano-convex lens 66 , as already explained for the backward emitting transmitter 51 of FIG. 8. IR light from the rear-facing projector of the transmitter 51 mounted on the left front wheel is collected by the forward-looking IR receiver 88 , which essentially corresponds to the receivers 52, 54 already described.

It should be noted that the left rear measuring head with the battery set 58 is shown in FIG. 10, which is mentioned above in connection with FIG. 6 and is contained in the same housing 69 as the cord interface 56 ( FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the battery pack contains two 6 V batteries 89 which , connected in series, feed the various circuits in the measuring head. As described for the cord interface, the housing 69 can be quickly removed from the bottom of the housing 86 and has the connector 72 already mentioned, which fits a corresponding connector provided on the housing, via which the 12 V DC voltage is supplied to the power supply board 57 is passed on. Furthermore, an angle 91 is provided in the housing 86 , which corresponds to the angle 62 in the front wheel measuring head of FIG. 8. Another camber inclinometer 46 is mounted on the angle 91 and provides information on the rear wheel camber.

An IR transmitter group, which consists of a plurality of IR luminescent diodes (LEDs) 92 (in order to achieve a sufficiently large IR transmission cone), is mounted in one of the diagonally running surfaces of the housing 86 . An IR receiver 93 is arranged on the LED transmitter, which essentially corresponds to the above-mentioned IR receivers 52, 54 and 88 . It should be noted that this IR transceiver combination is also provided in the rear diagonal surface of the housing 61 in the front wheel measuring head 17 ( FIG. 8), but is only shown here in FIG. 10 so as not to overload the drawing. The transceiver designated with positions 92, 93 is intended for data transmission with the transceivers 24 a or 24 b in FIG. 3 or, in certain circumstances, with a corresponding transceiver in the console 11 (cf. FIG. 1).

Fig. 11 shows a slidable central mounting adapter 94 on a wheel clamp, as described in US-PS 42 85 136 describes the slidable adapter is modified for use with the measurement heads described herein. A shaft 96 projects from the wheel clamp, and a knurled knob 97 is screwed onto the threaded free end (not shown in detail). A shoulder 98 protrudes from the adapter plate 94 ; it has a conical inner surface 99 . The shaft 96 acts as a pivot bearing for the measuring heads of FIGS . 8, 10 arranged on the wheels . A conical extension 101 extends from the rear of the housings 61, 86 and its outer surface can be inserted into the inner cone 99 of the adapter 94 . The heads can be locked against rotation by tightening the knob 97 on the shaft thread so that it rests on the above-mentioned covers which fit snugly on the housings 61, 86 so that the outer conical surface of the lugs 101 frictionally engages the inner cone 99 on the central mounting adapter. Furthermore, FIG. 11, three metal plates 102, which are arranged offset by 90 ° around the neck 98th These tabs serve to actuate the Hall effect wheel position switch 49 when the wheel is rotated to measure the runout, as described in US Pat. No. 4,138,825 or US Pat. No. 4,180,915. The Hall effect switch 49 is arranged on the rear of the housings 61, 86 of the front and rear wheel measuring heads, radially spaced from the bore which receives the pivot shaft 96 ; this distance corresponds essentially to that of the shaft axis to the location of the metal ashes 102 .

The electrical diagrams of Figures 12A, 12B show the circuitry of the trace board in each of the wheel probes. A keyboard 103 is connected to a microprocessor U 1 ; Fig. 7 shows the layout of the keyboard 103. When the power supply is switched on, the microprocessor or the microcontroller U 1 cannot initially start up as a result of the reset signal from the RC element 106 . When this RC element 106 releases the processor, it assumes an interception state corresponding to the states at the connections 105 of the processor U 1 . After assuming this initial state, a switch-on delay circuit 104 releases one of the state control pins 105 for use as a clock connection in the serial transmission link. An RF clock generator 107 outputs a frequency to the microprocessor, which is divided down to a modulator U 4 , which in turn outputs an LED excitation frequency to a level converter U 6 , which raises the logic level to +12 V. Furthermore, the level converter receives a logic signal, which it outputs to a line decoder U 5 , which the various LED drivers Q 8 to Qn to excite the cross-track LED group (item 73 in FIG. 9) D 7 to Dm in the Controls the front wheel measuring heads. Furthermore, the LED group D 7 to Dm represents the forward-facing LED group (item 63 in FIG. 10) in the rear wheel measuring heads. The LEDs D 7 to Dm are excited by the transistor Q 5 having an H Signal from the microcontroller U 1 is switched through.

The LED drivers Q 8 to Qn also drive the LEDs D 9 to Dm + n in the rear-facing LED group (item 63 in Fig. 8) in the front wheel measuring heads. The backward LED group D 9 to Dm + n is energized by turning on two transistors Q 10 , Q 7 which are connected in parallel to increase the current flowing in the latter LED group. The parallel connection from Q 10 to Q 7 is used because the LEDs D 9 to Dm + n have to emit IR light over a greater distance than the cross-track LED group.

The transistor Q 10 is turned on with an H signal, which the microcontroller supplies to point B in FIG. 12B. At the same time, the transistor Q 7 is switched through by an L signal from the microcontroller U 1 to the base of the transistor Q 6 , which produces an H signal at the base of Q 7 . Since the bases of the transistors Q 5 , Q 6 are connected to one another, the transistor Q 5 , which excites the transverse track LED group, is excited alternately with the parallel connection of the transistors Q 7 , Q 10 .

The position numbers used above for the heads attached to the front wheels are also used in Fig. 12A, but the description of Fig. 12A also applies to those components which are contained in the rear wheel measuring heads. The cross toe receiver and the track toe receiver 52 provide signals that are coupled to a preamplifier 110 , a tuned or resonance amplifier 108 , a gain adjustment circuit 109, and an envelope detector 111 are further processed, the latter working as a rectifier and filter for the received track signals. The derived track signal goes to an analog switch U 2 . The signals from the camber inclinometer 46 and from the pre / caster or steering angle inclinometer 48 are also connected to the analog switch U 2 . A battery voltage signal is applied to the analog switch when the battery pack 58 is inserted into a head and the IR transceiver module 59 is in operation. Under control by the microcontroller U 1, the analog switch outputs one of the four input signals to the analog-digital converter U 3 , which digitizes the measuring devices and sends them to the microcontroller, which can also store the digitized data. The digitized data obtained and stored in parallel are then transmitted serially at a fraction of the clock frequency C from the modulator U 4 . The transmission takes place under the control of the transmission module 31 ( FIG. 4).

If the measuring head works in cord pack mode, serial data is transferred to the serial transmission link P 1 for transmission to the console 11 via a transistor Q 4 ; the serial data are received in line pack mode from the microcontroller U 1 coming from the console via the transmission link P 2 , as shown.

If the measuring head is in the IR transmission / reception mode, the microcontroller U 1 in FIG. 12A generates an IR transmission / reception control signal for the IR circuit 59 at the connection P 4 of the serial IR transmission path. At point A, the modulator U 4 supplies a 125 kHz carrier frequency for the data transmission to the IR circuit 59 at the IR transmission connection P 3 of the serial transmission path.

The head is identified by the manually adjustable switches S 5 , S 6 ( FIG. 12A). The four heads are identified separately by the switch states 00, 01, 10 and 11. The head identifier is used by the heads to determine whether data should be received and evaluated or transmitted.

The wheel position switch 49 is shown in FIG. 12A with one of the metal tabs 102 contained therein. The passage of the metal ash through the slot in the Hall effect switch serves to actuate the switch and to indicate that the wheel to which the relevant measuring head is attached has reached a certain position.

The IR transceiver circuit in the circuit part 59 of the wheel measuring heads will now be explained with reference to FIG. 13. This description also applies to the IR transceivers 24 a, 24 b of FIG. 3; minor deviations are explained below. The transceiver circuit has a photosensor or light-sensing receiver 112 , which essentially corresponds to the receivers 52, 54, 88 and 93 mentioned . The output signal of the photosensor is fed to a preamplifier 113 , the output signal of which has approximately the shape shown at 114 in FIG. 13. It should be noted that each receiver bit is represented by a pulse train with the data carrier frequency. The output signal of the preamplifier goes to a tuned or resonance amplifier 116 , the output signal of which is shown at 117 , for example. The output signal of the resonance amplifier goes to a level detector 118 and its output signal 119 to a monostable multivibrator 121 , the output pulse width of which is longer than half the carrier period. In this manner, the multivibrator provides the data pulse shown at 122 which passes through a NAND gate 123 which is driven by a transmit / receive control gate 124 . The gate 124 is controlled by the microcontroller U 1 ( FIG. 12A) of the wheel adjustment system, so that data reception is blocked by the measuring head during data transmission.

The data is prepared for transmission in the IR transceiver by mixing it with the 125 kHz carrier mentioned in NAND gate 126 , inverting it in NAND gate 127 and passing it to the gate electrode of a field effect transistor 128 , which is a triple controlled by luminescent diodes 129 at the same time, so that they emit the data in the form of IR pulse trains each of bit length. As mentioned, more than one LED group 129 can be provided in order to achieve an acceptable radiation cone which, taking into account the distance and the position of the receiver relative to the transmitter, ensures reliable reception at the intended receiver.

FIG. 14 shows the console add-on of FIG. 3, a cord line 23 leading between the console 11 and a remote IR transceiver 24 . Both the console and the transceiver side of the cord 23 have cord interfaces 28 which, as already explained, for the transmission on the line the logic to line level and then the line to logic level signals for forwarding to the console circuits via to the remote IR Move the transceivers at the end of the cord. The remote IR transceiver 24 shown in FIG. 14 (which represents the transceivers 24 a, 24 b of FIG. 3) corresponds to the transceiver 59 of FIG. 13, but the modulation takes place in the line interface 28 assigned to the console 11 .

FIG. 15A shows a flow chart for explaining the operation of the head under the control of the microprocessor U 1 ( FIGS. 12A, 12B). The head is continuously in this loop unless the runout button is pressed or the routine is interrupted by the transfer control unit in the console. The power is turned on at the head, the microprocessor mode is set, and the input / output ports are configured along with the serial transmission arrangement, as explained above for the circuit diagrams of Figures 12A, 12B. The head identifier is read from the switches S 5 , S 6 , the data memory is deleted and the interruptions are released. The routine is initiated by querying and storing the keyboard selection. If the runout was selected on the keyboard 103 at the head, the runout routine is started. The outlet is obtained by placing the wheel clamp in the 11 o'clock position on the keyboard before selecting the outlet program. Then you turn the wheel counterclockwise to the 12 o'clock position, bring it to a standstill and put it on. During this process, the three metal plates or vanes 102 , which are arranged at 90 ° on the displaceable adapter plate 94 in the center of the wheel, pass through the Hall effect switch and thus effect three switch actuations. If the third tab 102 is located in the Hall effect switch, the runout LED goes out and indicates to the operator that the runout calculation results in valid runout correction data when the wheel is in this position.

After executing the runout routine, the head microcontroller U 1 calculates runout factors for track and camber. The phase-out status is set and the keyboard and its selection options are queried and saved again. If no runout has been selected, the routine requires a runout status check to determine if the runout has started. If so, the microcontroller checks whether the wheel switch 49 is in the home position. As already mentioned, it is ascertained here whether a tab 102 is located on the switch 49 , which indicates whether the wheel in question is in the mentioned removed or attached state. If not, the LED changes state and when repeated through the routine, the LED flickers so that the operator receives a warning that the leakage correction is likely to result in incorrect setting data. If the wheel switch is in the correct position when the wheel is lowered, the LED remains extinguished and the routine continues to measure the inclinometer output signals (camber and steering axis inclination for the front wheels, only camber for the rear wheels) and the battery voltage and saves the measured values . The routine then returns to the beginning, queries the keyboard and saves the key-in values. When the main processor unit 42 (CPU in Fig. 4) requests data, the data stored in parallel is serialized and transmitted to it, as explained above.

FIG. 15B shows the various interrupt routines that can be started at any time during the routine of FIG. 15A under the control of the transmission module 31 of FIG. 4. If the transmission module sends an interrupt signal, the head decodes it to determine the type of interrupt. If the system is in the calibration phase (see below), the calibration rod run-out initialization routine is started, which sets the count value of the run-out angle switch to zero and performs other initialization functions. When the calibration rod run-out steps are carried out, relevant data are measured using a measuring program (also an interrupt routine). The measured values are saved and forwarded to the transmission module during a transmission interruption.

The two remaining interrupt programs of FIG. 15B are called during the header routine of FIG. 15A when the transmission module 31 requests either a four-headed track scan or a two-headed track scan with reflectors. In these cases the front and then the rear LED sets are scanned and the recorded data are stored in the measuring heads.

The above-mentioned wheel setting data are recorded in parallel and stored in the memory of the microcontroller and then, as already explained, transferred serially from the head memory to the transmission module 31 during the data transmission interrupt program of FIG. 15B.

FIG. 17 shows a retroreflector arrangement with a retroreflective surface 131 in a housing 132 , which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 133 which extends from an adjustable wheel-supported frame 134 . A number of axially spaced grooves 136 are provided on the shaft into which the housing 132 can be snapped to laterally align the reflector with a projected IR beam. The supporting frame 134 is customary and has a tire arm 137 and a cross bar 138 , which can be tightened in a certain setting with respect to one another with a knurled knob 139 in order to align the surface 131 with a projection beam. Two of the reflector arrangements shown in FIG. 17 can be used together with two adjusting or measuring heads in order to carry out the two or four wheel measurements.

Figures 16A through 16D now show the system operating options and the process flow for these options will be explained. Certain process steps require an input on the keyboard 43 shown in FIG. 5 for the console 11 and inputs on the keyboard 103 of FIG. 7, which is located on each measuring head. The functions "Next" and "Print" can be selected for the system on each measuring head or the console. The "Voice" function can be selected for the system on any measuring head. The "RESET" function returns the program control to the program start shown in FIG. 16A at any time in the routines to be described.

Power is turned on at the console and the console configuration is queried upon initialization, as shown in Fig. 16A. After a call (determination of the presence of the modules) by the main processor 42 , the transmission and decision parts of the function modules present are transferred to the CPU 42 in any order, as already mentioned. Furthermore, the console identifies the wheel measuring heads in the system by means of the switch positions S 5 , S 6 ( FIG. 12A) in the heads. An initial menu is now output on the viewing unit, which shows the choice of five options.

A troubleshooting routine can be selected first, which provides a troubleshooting list. According to the selection The system configuration can be found in the troubleshooting list shown, the transfer between system components verified or output data of the sensors are output directly will. Is there a bar code sample printout and the main memory contains the corresponding evaluation code, can read this code expression using the reading stick and its contents are confirmed. The calibration factors can be for the head measuring units or the CRT character set output on the screen. After every troubleshooting The test routine returns to the troubleshooting menu. Then the "Next" button can be pressed to return to the initial menu to return.

One of the five initial options mentioned above is the calibration option. If this option is selected, the choice can continue can be made under six calibration routines:

(1) cross track ("cross toe"),
(2) track toe,
(3) inclinometer,
(4) measuring units,
(5) operator identification / date,
(6) Change output text.

The calibration routines 4, 5 and 6 require entries on the Console keyboard. Cross-track calibration routine # 1 requires a calibration rod arrangement with two on front wheels attachable measuring heads. These heads are leveled then the phasing-out procedure for the staff applied that Cross-track measured values entered and in non-volatile memory as correction or calibration factors for the visual output and calculations.

Longitudinal calibration routine # 2 requires attachment  of a front or rear wheel head on the right or left front wheel and inserting the other head of the pair in the beam path of the assembled head. The The front wheel measured value is saved and the head is turned. The longitudinal track measurement for the one mounted on the front wheel turned head is also saved and the mean value of the two measured values as a longitudinal track correction for this head stored in non-volatile memory.

If the inclinometer calibration routine No. 3 is selected, a pair of heads is attached to the calibration rod, the Bar leveled and entered on the console, which one Head pair (the front or the rear wheel pair) mounted has been. The coasting routine is carried out, the heads are leveled and the inclinometer readings as Zero reference values saved.

Two of the remaining initial menu options are simple screen output options, one of which can be changed using calibration routine # 6; the changes can be entered on the console keyboard 43 .

If the setting option is selected in the start menu, the memory area assigned to the setting values in the CPU is first deleted and a head options menu is output ( FIG. 16b) which relates to the number of measuring heads or heads with reflectors that are to be used. These head options include a four-head, two-head, two-reflector, or two-head system. The measuring head combination options can be divided into the use of two front wheel heads 13, 17 on the front wheels and two rear wheel heads 14, 16 on the rear wheels (four wheels), two front wheel heads 13, 17 with two reflectors according to FIG. 17 or two front wheel heads 13 , 17 themselves.

To examine the process flow with regard to the choice of the four-head option for the wheel setting, reference should first be made to FIGS . 16B and 16C. As shown in Fig. 16B, after selecting the four head option, the two or four wheel option must be selected. Assume that the four-wheel setting option is selected; then the system requires input of data about the vehicle whose wheels are to be adjusted. This information can be entered using the bar code reader 39 ( FIG. 4), which may be in the form of a stylus; alternatively, they can be entered manually using the console keyboard 43 ( FIG. 5). After entering such default values manually, press the "Next" button so that the setting process can run through. If no such specifications are available and the system does not contain the bar code reader, it may be desirable not to enter such information. The button is therefore selected as "None" (no specifications), which means that all measured values are then output numerically, but without tolerance information. The foregoing description relates to the default input routine; it is referred to as such below, where this is required in the description of the other setting options.

After entering default values, the program instructs the operator to attach the front and rear wheel sensors to the appropriate vehicle wheels. The routine can now only be continued when the stopping procedure has been carried out, as described with reference to FIG. 15 above. As shown in Fig. 16D, if the runout has not been completed, the system is locked in this state until the runout process is complete.

Upon completion of the coasting routine, the system typically proceeds to a setup program that accepts setup data from all four vehicle wheels, as seen in the far right column that is from the "Runout Complete" state in Fig. 16D. Alternatively, one can select the "Menu" option on the console keyboard 43 ( Fig. 5) and obtain a number of wheel adjustment options. Table I lists the options currently available:

Table I

(1) Measure pre / post.
(2) Measure changes in the lead / lag.
(3) Measure changes in the fore / aft or camber.
(4) Measure steering axle inclination and included angle.
(5) Measure the front wheel backset ("set back").
(6) Measure the rear wheel set back.
(7) Measure the thrust angle (RRD).
(8) Measure rear wheel camber and toe angle.
(9) Measure front wheel camber and toe angle and output (static) on the tester.
(10) Output all recorded wheel measurements.
(11) Output default values.

After one of the options specified in Table I has been selected, a sequence of processes is output on the screen 33 with which the selected option can be carried out. After the output procedure has been completed or a decision has been made to cancel the selected option, in most cases a further option can be selected from table I by pressing the menu key on the console keyboard 43 again . Otherwise, you can jump out of other optional routines by pressing the "Reset" button on the console keyboard; the routine then returns to the starting point of Fig. 16A.

After the end of the phase-out program for the 4-head / four-wheel option, if the optional routines are not selected, the usual setting procedures take place by carrying out the pre / post measurement routine for the two steerable front wheels. The pre / post measurements in the system according to the invention are initiated by pressing the "Caster" button (pre / post) ( FIG. 7) on the respective front wheel measuring keyboard 103 . The measurement of the leading / trailing angle is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,130,362, where it is explained that the front wheels of a vehicle are first brought into the straight-ahead position and then pivoted only 10 ° in one direction, then 10 ° in the opposite direction will. The camber inclinometer 46 ( FIG. 8) provides the signals used for the calculation of the pre-run and post-run, which are taken in the right and left 10 ° deflection position. The caster or advance adjustment on the front wheels is carried out by fixing the brake on the front wheel, attaching the measuring head to the same front wheel by tightening the knurled knob 97 ( Fig. 11) and then changing the caster or caster from the output signal of the Steering axis inclinometer 48 ( Fig. 8) determined in the front wheel measuring heads.

Then the rear wheel toe and toe / toe bar diagrams and values are displayed on the screen and the rear wheel toe and camber can be set. The bar diagrams are set up in such a way that they indicate the achievement of the target values applicable to the respective vehicle by means of a corresponding bar arrangement on the screen and a change in the bar color from red to green if the track and lead / trailing values are within the tolerance limits are located. The "Next" key is then pressed on the console keyboard 43 ( FIG. 5) or on one of the measuring head keyboards 103 ( FIG. 7). The front wheel setting values and bar graphs are shown on the screen. Then you can adjust the track or the lead / trailing of the front wheels, the bar diagrams react as for the setting of the rear wheel values. The front wheel forward / caster and track values are shown together with the bar diagrams. After the front wheel setting, relative to the rear wheel roll direction or thrust line using the rear wheel setting values, the four wheel setting is complete and one presses the "Reset" button on the console keyboard to reset the routines in the reset or Return the starting point of Fig. 16A.

If the operator selects the two-wheel setting with four measuring heads mounted on the wheels, the above-described default input routine for the four-wheel configuration ( FIG. 16B) is first carried out to point D in FIG. 16D. The front and rear probes are assembled and the process is blocked from continuing until the runout is complete, as described above. After the end of the run-out process, the usual two-wheel setting process is started, provided that the "Menu" has been selected on the console keyboard. In the latter case, options 1 to 5 and 9 to 11 of Table I are displayed on the screen and can be selected. Once the operator has selected an option, the routine for performing that option is provided and the process steps are displayed on the screen. At the end of the selected routine, the options available for this procedure can be checked again by pressing the "Menu" key on the console keyboard. Alternatively, the two-wheeler setting routine can be exited by pressing the "reset" button, which returns the routine to the reset point in Fig. 16A.

If no option is selected for the two-wheel setting routines using four measuring heads, the normal routine proceeds as follows: First, the pre / post-measuring routine which was explained above using the four-wheel / four-head measurement is carried out. The front wheel settings and associated bar graphs are shown on the screen. The front wheels are set to track and toe / toe by observing the current setting values and the relative positions and colors of the bar diagrams. After measuring and setting the forward / caster, toe and camber on the front wheels, the front wheel setting routine is completed using the four measuring heads and the "Reset" key is pressed on the console keyboard to reset the routine "Point of Fig. 16A.

Let us now consider the selection of the setting option in which two measuring heads and two reflectors are used (cf. FIG. 16B). It should be pointed out here that the two measuring heads used are the left and right front measuring heads 13, 17 ( FIG. 8) and the two reflector arrangements correspond to FIG. 17. After selecting this option, the system must be informed whether a two-wheel or a four-wheel setting is desired. It is initially assumed that the four-wheel setting is required; then the aforementioned default input routine is performed, and the process proceeds to point C in Fig. 16D. First, the right front measuring head is mounted on the left rear wheel so that the cross track projector shines across the back of the rear wheels. The left front measuring head is mounted on the right rear wheel accordingly. A reflector assembly is attached to each of the front wheels so that the reflector surface 131 intercepts the longitudinal track projection beam (see transmitter 51 of FIG. 8). The stopping routine is started and must be completed before the process can continue. After completion of the stopping process, the routine reaches a point where optimal setting procedures can be selected by going to point G in Fig. 16C and pressing the "Menu" key on the console keyboard 43 . Assume that the options have been requested; then options 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 of Table I can be selected, while the measuring heads 13, 17 are mounted on the rear wheels (cf. FIG. 16C). As previously explained, a suitable optional setting routine is now selected. After completion or if another available optional routine is desired, the options can be called up again by pressing the "Menu" key on the console keyboard. Otherwise, the "Next" button is pressed, and certain options are provided, which, however, can only be carried out with measuring heads 13, 17 mounted on the associated front wheels. These options are options 1 through 5, 7, and 9 through 11 of Table I (see FIG. 16C). After completing the selected routine, a return to the routines available with the front wheel sensors can be done by pressing the "Menu" key on the console keyboard or returning to the starting point in Fig. 16A with the "Reset" key.

In the event that four-wheel adjustment is used using two probes and two reflectors but no options, the normal procedures after completion of the coast down procedure are shown starting at point G in Fig. 16D. With heads 13, 17 mounted on the rear wheels and reflectors of FIG. 17 mounted on the front wheels, the rear wheel tracking and camber values are shown together with the rear wheel tracking and camber adjustment rod diagrams. The camber and toe setting on the rear wheels is now possible with the aid of the setting data and bar diagrams shown, as described above. After the desired setting and display of the rear wheel track and camber values, the "Next" key on the console keyboard 43 or on any other measuring head keyboard 103 is pressed, whereby the rear wheel values are stored. Then the measuring heads 13, 17 are mounted on the front wheels and the reflectors of FIG. 17 on the rear wheels. At this point, the coast down routine must be performed for the front wheels before the adjustment procedure can continue. The pre / caster measurement is carried out as described above, followed by a display of the front wheel setting values and bar diagrams. The front wheel track and camber adjustment is done with reference to the front wheel adjustment values and bar graphs shown; the routine is then exited with the "Reset" button on the console keyboard and returned to the starting point of FIG. 16A.

If the setting option with two heads and two reflectors is selected, followed by the measurement option, which requires the setting of only two wheels (front wheels), the default value input routine of Fig. 16B is first run through and then to point B in Fig. 16C. As already described, the two measuring heads used in this process are the front wheel measuring heads 13, 17 and the two corresponding reflector arrangements (shown in FIG. 17). The measuring heads 13, 17 are mounted on the left or right front wheel and the reflectors on the rear wheels so that they intercept the longitudinal track projection beams, as explained above for the four-wheel setting with two measuring heads and reflectors. The run-down procedure is then run through again and completed so that the setting procedure can continue. After the run-out process has been completed, the setting options for this routine can be called up by pressing the "Menu" key on the console keyboard. The Fig. 16C shows that here the options 1 to 5 and 9 to 11 of Table I are available. A selected routine is called as a result of the option selection, and a return to the list of available options can be made by pressing the "Menu" key before or after the selected routine is completed. Alternatively, one can press the "Reset" key on the console keyboard, which returns the program flow to the reset or initial state of FIG. 16A.

The remaining setting option with two measuring heads, as shown in FIG. 16B, can be selected if the setting information is determined only for the two front wheels. The default input routine is run through and then to point A in Fig. 16C.

The measuring heads used in this procedure are the front wheel measuring heads 13, 17 which are mounted on the front wheels. The aforementioned run-down routine must be selected and completed before proceeding further. After completing the phase-out routine, the option list for the two-head setting can be called up by pressing the "Menu" key on the console keyboard. This choice affects options 1 through 3 and 9 through 11 of Table I (see FIG. 16C). After selecting the required routine, this can be completed and the list of options can be called up again on the screen (by pressing the "Menu" key). If the selected routine is no longer desired, the option list can alternatively be called up in most cases without the selected routine having to be completed. If the available options are no longer required, pressing the "Reset" button on the console keyboard returns the program to the "Reset" item in Fig. 16A.

After completing the expiry treatment in the setting option with two measuring heads mounted on the front wheels, the normal setting measures intended for this head configuration can be carried out, bypassing the choice of optional routines and after pressing the "Caster" (pre / post) button on the Head keyboard 103 and the described pre / wake measurement procedures the front wheel pre / wake measurement program is run. The front wheel setting values and setting bar charts are output. Then the camber and toe can be adjusted on the front wheels with the aid of the output setting values and bar diagram positions and colors for toe and camber which have already been described. After the front wheel setting has been measured and adjusted, the routine can be exited by pressing the "Reset" button on the console keyboard 43 and the program returns to the reset point in Fig. 16A where the initial menu is displayed on the screen 33 .

Claims (64)

1. Dynamically configurable setting system for motor vehicle wheels with

• a) alignment or measuring heads ( 13, 14, 16, 17 ) for mounting on two or more wheels by means of an adapter ( 94 );
• b) entering angle measuring devices ( 46, 48 ), cross-track projectors ( 19, 21 ), transmitting and receiving means ( 51, 52, 53, 54, 59 ) and a Hall effect wheel position switch ( 49 ) which are in or on the measuring heads ( 13, 17 ) the front wheels are attached to determine the toe, camber, as well as the lead and caster;
• c) an angle of incidence measuring device ( 46 ), transmitting and receiving means ( 59, 92, 93 ) and a Hall effect wheel position switch ( 49 ), which in or on the measuring heads ( 14, 16 ) of the rear wheels for determining track and camber are appropriate;
• d) a console ( 11 ) and a main processing unit ( 42 ) and a system bus ( 16 ) for data exchange between the measuring heads and the console for system sequence control and system calculation,

characterized in that

• e) the data exchange between the console and the measuring heads or the measuring heads takes place serially in both directions on the basis of digitized data, whereby
• f) the data transmission using a transmission module ( 31 ), which is located between the system bus ( 26 ) and an interface ( 28 ) or an infrared transceiver ( 24 ), takes place electrically via cable or optically:
• g) the console ( 11 ) a plurality of system functional devices ( 27, 29, 33, 36, 38, 39, 43 ) and a plurality of control modules including the data transmission module ( 31, 32, 34, 37, 41 ) for the functional devices which are connected between the respective functional devices and the system bus, the transmission module ( 31 ) transferring the decision and transmission routines relating to the functional devices to the main processing unit during system initialization, so that the system corresponds to the functional devices present in it and connected to the system bus is configured;
• h) the measuring heads ( 13, 14, 16, 17 ) each contain a track circuit ( 44 ) with a microprocessor for controlling the head functions, as well as means for storing setting measurement values and an infrared transceiver ( 59 ) which responds to the data transmission module ( 31 ) which transmits the stored data and receives data from the data transmission module ( 31 ).

2. Setting system according to claim 1, characterized by a bar code reader and one between them and the bar code decoder switched to the system bus, wherein the transfer device during system initialization decision and transmission routines affecting the decoder passes to the main processing unit. 3. Setting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission device
a cord line running between the transmission module and the individual measuring heads and
has a line interface at each end of each line, via which data is transmitted between the individual heads and the transmission module. 4. Setting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission device a first IR transceiver has, which is connected to the transmission module is that each of the adjustment probes has one has a second IR transceiver, so that at one Transmission between the first and second transceivers Data between the heads and the transmission module be transmitted. 5. Setting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control circuit in each of the measuring heads
a device for controlling the parallel measurement of the setting parameters and for storing the relevant data
and the measuring heads each have a device which, in response to the control circuit in the transmission device, transmits and receives data serially between the measuring head and the transmission device. 6. Setting system according to claim 6, characterized in that the transmitting and receiving device a Infrared transceiver is and the control circuit of the Transmission device operational serial infrared transmission from heads at different times causes. 7. Setting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring heads two on the front wheels and are two measuring heads mounted on the rear wheels, so that on the front and rear wheels track and camber and  On the front wheels, the fore and aft can be measured are. 8. Adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring or alignment heads two measuring heads with two reflectors so that the front and track and camber on the rear wheels and on the front wheels have the lead or tail measured. 9. Setting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring heads two on the steerable vehicle wheels Mountable measuring heads are so that on the front wheels lane, camber as well as leading or trailing have it measured.   10. Adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring heads each have a device to control the parallel measurement of setting parameters and for the storage of related data as well as include a device on the control circuit the transmission device responsive data serially between the respective measuring head and the transmission device sends and receives. 11. Adjustment system according to claim 10, characterized in that the device for sending and receiving has an IR transceiver and the control circuit the transmission device in operation IR broadcasts from the minds at different times. 12. Adjustment system according to claim 11, characterized in that the IR transceiver a facility which stores the data before the broadcast  mixes with a carrier frequency that is from environmental interference frequencies away and has a facility the carrier frequency from the before the data recovery Received signals filtered. 13. Adjustment system according to claim 11, characterized in that the IR transceiver is a device for suppressing of environmental disturbance signals. 14. Adjustment system according to claim 11, characterized in that the IR transceiver comprises a device which prevents reception during a broadcast. 15. Adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one functional device includes a sighting device and the control module Functional device is a vision control module. 16. Adjustment system according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one functional device has a bar code reader and the control module Functional device includes a bar code decoder. 17. Adjustment system according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one functional device has a printer and the control module of the functional device a printer control module. 18. Adjustment system according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one functional device has a speaker and the control module for the Functional device comprises a voice control module.   19. Setting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the main processing device a Keyboard has so that system information by hand can be entered. 20. Adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that the function control modules a Have means to connect to the transmission module Output setting data and work instructions. 21. Adjustment system according to claim 20, characterized in that to the output device a cathode ray tube as well as a control module for this. 22. Adjustment system according to claim 20, characterized in that to the output device a printer and a Printer control module belong.   23. Adjustment system according to claim 20, characterized in that that the output device is a speaker and comprises a voice control module. 24. Adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring heads are instruments for measuring the Include wheel setting properties with calibration devices, to calibrate the adjustment measuring instruments.   25. Setting system for vehicle wheels with measuring or alignment heads for receiving setting data, which are designed for attachment to vehicle wheels, comprising

• - a large number of function control modules in one console,
• a control circuit in each of the function control modules and in each of the measuring heads, which controls the execution of the function assigned to each module and controls the parallel recording of the setting data in each measuring head,
• - A device for data transmission and recording in each measuring head, and
• - A main processing device connected to the control circuits of the measuring heads and the control circuit in the function control modules, characterized in that the main processing device controls the serial data transfer from the measuring heads at different times.

26. Adjustment system according to claim 25, characterized in that the function control modules
a transmission module,
a cable between the data transmission and reception device of each measuring head and the transmission device and
include a line driver device located at each end of the cable. 27. Adjustment system according to claim 25, characterized in that the function control modules a transmission module and a first IR data transceiver include and the device for data transmission and one for receiving data in each measuring head includes second IR transceiver, so that at Connection between the first and one of the second Data transceiver the second transceiver exclusively serial data under the control of the main processing unit can transmit.   28. A method for adjusting or aligning the wheels of a vehicle using an intelligent setting and measuring system with a plurality of measuring heads attached to the wheels, which have a device for digitizing the measured values, and a remote console with a main processing unit and a plurality of Function modules including a transmission module, characterized in that

• - The system is initialized by transferring digitized decision and transmission instructions from the function modules to the main processing unit, so that the system can be configured automatically according to the function modules present in the system;
• - A measuring head identification takes place;
• - That the wheel setting parameters and head state signals present on separate vehicle wheels are measured;
• - That the parameters and status signals are digitized to digital setting data;
• - That the digitized data of certain vehicle wheels are stored, and that
• - Instructions and digitized data are sent and received serially between the transmission module and certain measuring heads.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the instructions for serial transmission and reception and digitized data using a conductive Cord line are transmitted.   30. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the digitized for serial transmission or reception Data sent out as a series of infrared pulses and the digitized data as a series of infrared pulses be received. 31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that for sending the digitized instructions and Data are mixed with a carrier frequency and Reception recovered the data from the received signals be by adding interference and the carrier frequency out of them be filtered out. 32. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the reception of signals during signal transmission is blocked. 33. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the measurement and the status signals in parallel for measurement measured and for transmission the parallel digital Setting data can be serialized. 34. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the measuring heads devices for measuring the setting angle have, and for measuring the measuring devices be calibrated to determine their zero outputs, and that the values of the zero outputs of the calibration get saved.   35. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that for serial sending and receiving pulses in the infrared range sent and pulses sent in the infrared range be received. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the signal reception is blocked during the signal transmission becomes.   37. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that that a set of set default values in memory the main processing unit is input so that the system displays limits with regard to permissible measured values can. 38. Adjustment system for vehicle wheels, characterized by
at least two measuring heads that can be mounted on the vehicle wheels to be adjusted or aligned,
Setting measuring devices in at least one measuring head for providing setting data,
cordless setting data transmission devices in the at least one measuring head, which are connected to its setting measuring devices,
a viewing arrangement and
a cordless setting data receiving device which is wirelessly coupled to the transmitting device and to the viewing arrangement, whereby the setting data supplied by the setting measuring devices are output on the viewing arrangement. 39. Adjustment system according to claim 38, characterized in that the at least one measuring head means for digitizing which has setting data. 40. Adjustment system according to claim 38, characterized in that the wireless transmitter an infrared transmitter and the wireless receiver have an infrared receiver.   41. Adjustment system according to claim 40, characterized in that the infrared transmitter means that the digitized setting data before sending with a carrier frequency freed from environmental interference frequencies mix, and that the receiving device means for filtering the carrier frequency from the received signals of data recovery. 42. Adjustment system according to claim 40, characterized in that the infrared receiver is a device for suppressing environmental disturbances. 43. Adjustment system according to claim 38, characterized in that the wireless transmission device has a transceiver and a device, which prevents reception during transmission. 44. Adjustment system according to claim 38, characterized in that the vision device is a cathode ray tube having. 45. Adjustment system according to claim 38, characterized through control circuits, the function of the cordless operating transmission facilities from the control circuits is controlled. 46. Adjustment system according to claim 38, characterized in that the wireless data receiving device a device for attaching the receiving device in another than at least one Includes measuring head so that the transmission of the setting data takes place between measuring heads. 47. Adjustment system according to claim 46, characterized in that the wireless transmitters and receivers each include a transceiver  and that the setting data is bidirectional between setting heads be transmitted. 48. Adjustment system according to claim 46, characterized in that the wireless transmitters and receivers an infrared transmitter or receiver lock in. 49. Adjustment system according to claim 46, characterized through control circuits, the function of the cordless working data transmission equipment from the Control circuits is controlled. 50. Adjustment system for vehicle wheels, characterized by
a multiplicity of measuring heads, which can be mounted on one of the vehicle wheels in a predetermined association therewith in order to provide data about the wheel adjustment properties,
Means for digitizing the data,
a function control module arranged remote from the measuring heads and
Cordless transmitting and receiving devices for the transmission of the digitized data between the measuring heads and the function control module. 51. Adjustment system according to claim 50, characterized in that the wireless transmitting and receiving device one connected to the function control module first infrared data transceiver and in each of the Measuring heads each have a second infrared data transceiver which has the wheel adjustment properties given data to the second transceiver will.   52. Adjustment system according to claim 50, characterized in that the function control module is a control circuit and has a viewing device, the digitized Setting data from one of the measuring heads under Control by the control circuit to the viewing arrangement be passed on. 53. Adjustment system according to claim 52, characterized in that the measuring heads each have a head control circuit to control the measurement of the setting data, means to save the setting measurement values and one to the Control circuit in the function control module responsive device have the stored data to the Function control module sent as well as data from this receives.   54. A method for measuring wheel alignment parameters using an alignment system with at least two alignment heads to be attached to separate vehicle wheels and with a remote control console including a display for displaying readable wheel alignment information, the method comprising the following steps:

• - at least two wheel alignment heads are attached to two of the vehicle wheels,
• - wheel alignment parameters of the two wheels are measured,
• - the measured wheel parameters are digitized,
• the digitized parameters are transmitted from at least one head to the console via a line of sight,
• - the transmission is received on the console at sight,
• - The parameters transmitted and received on the display are displayed and
• - The alignment information is displayed in a readable format.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the step of Transfer on sight is characterized in that he collecting and reflecting the signal transmitted to the console. 56. The method of claim 54, wherein in at least receive a transmission signal from one of the alignment heads can be characterized in that during the transfer in view of the above-mentioned reception of transmission signals is suppressed.   57. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that that sending and receiving over the line of sight Includes use of infrared pulses. 58. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that the step of signal reception is the suppression of Ambient noise signals included. 59. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that the digitized wheel alignment data for transmission on sight with a carrier frequency far from ambient noise frequencies are mixed and infrared pulse trains are transferred with the step size of the bit duration and that the interference suppression filtering out the Carrier frequency from the received signal includes. 60. The method according to claim 57, characterized in that that the digitized in the transmission of infrared pulses Wheel alignment data mixed with a carrier frequency and infrared pulse trains in increments of bit duration be transmitted. 61. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that that the measured wheel alignment parameters within at least one of the at least two wheel alignment heads can be saved and that the data is sent from one head to the other Head received. 62. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that the measuring process is the parallel measurement of alignment parameters comprises and that the transmission step a parallel Serial conversion of the transmitted data includes. 63. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that the wheel alignment system is calibrated before measuring.